SIX GOALS: Narooma youth girls player of the match Emma Bunney, who scored six goals against Moruya.
HEAVY KNOCK: Narooma’s Renee Lavis takes a heavy knock but wins Narooma a free kick against Moruya.
WINNERS MEDAL: Sam Jackson and Elliott Bendixsen receive a Southern Branch Winners Medal from the U14 Eurobodalla Regional Soccer Coach Sean O'Donnell. Sam and Elliott played up a year (from the Under 13s to the U14s) and helped the U14s towards their achievement of winning the Southern Branch U14s championship.
THIS week the Narooma Youth Girls travelled to Moruya, for the semi-finals on a fine and sunny Sunday. Knowing it was a knockout, the girls were fired up and everyone got there nice and early, although Kayla and Amey cut it fine when they ran out of petrol before they made it to Moruya.
The Narooma girls were all awake at the kick-off, and it wasn’t long before Kyree and Emma teamed up to stretch the defence, as Emma hit the back of the net with ease.
Maddi and Niamh were working hard in midfield, but unfortunately Maddi twisted her ankle and hobbled off the field. Versatile midfielder Renee filled the gap admirably, sporting a black eye (hockey is a dangerous game).
The Narooma defence was working well, Erika going in hard and Sarah directing traffic from the back, Abby, Bethany and Zoe picking up the crumbs.
The Narooma goals kept flowing, Emma booting home three more and Kyree chiming in with a great goal of her own. Moruya fought back and at half time the score was 5-1 to Narooma.
The second half was harder, with Moruya picking up two lucky penalties, but hard-working ‘keeper Sabine did a great job to stop one of them. The wingers Elizabeth, Zoe and Kayla kept running it up all day, and striker Amey was unlucky not to score.
Chloe was having a great game in defence, controlling the ball and winning it back off the attackers. Emma kept up her blistering attack, putting another two goals away before she came off for a rest.
When the final whistle blew Narooma had done enough, running out convincing winners, 7-3.
This week’s player of the match award was once again a tied effort, being awarded to Emma and Niamh for their hard work and skill throughout the game.
Next week Narooma travels to Hanging Rock to face the tough Clyde team, but if they all play like this week they will be in with a good chance of advancing to the Grand Final the following week. Don’t forget that training on Thursday will be from 4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Under 13s into grand final
The Under 13 Redbacks played their major semi-final against Moruya Blues in Moruya on Sunday. The weather was fantastic, and there was a large crowd on hand to support both teams.
Teig led the Narooma side out as played an outstanding game as captain, running all day and taking the attack right up to the opposition. The game started evenly but Narooma soon began to dominate the game and settled in to attack the Moruya goal.
Nick managed to sneak an early break and was about to goal when ruled offside, but after 10 minutes, it was Elliott from a penalty that slotted the ball over the Moruya defence and goalie for the first score.
Narooma were proving a handful for the Moruya side, but were mindful that they also had to stay strong at the back to keep the strong Moruya strikers in check. Logan, Oscar and Sam J did this to perfection, and regularly combined to shut down any half breaks.
On either side of the field Nakita and Sarah proved rock solid. They continually broke down the opposition attack and were able to then link with the midfield and move the ball downfield.
During the first half Harry in goal was called on several times and proved equal to the task. Not many shots get past Harry, and he once again had a magnificent match.
With a 1-0 lead at half time, Narooma were determined to be the first team into the Grand Final. The second half saw an outstanding exhibition of defence from the Redbacks as they continually drove back the Moruya side. In turn, they started to find some holes in the opposition with Ryan and Jamie in particular making good ground every time they touched the ball.
Moruya got a chance from a corner with only a few minutes to go but the ball sailed wide and from the ensuing goal kick, Teig made a long break before passing the ball through to Sam N in space. Calmly he took the ball in and fired it past the Moruya goalie for a 2-0 win and a place in the Grand Final.
The Redbacks have one more game – the Grand Final at Dalmeny on Sunday, September 16. Let’s hope they can go one step further than last year and bring home the premiership. Regardless of the result, they have had a great season and should be proud of their effort and team play.
From the semi-final, Sam N won the Narooma Sports and Services Club Player’s Award, while Sam J gained the Narooma Sign Art Coach’s Award.
Good luck in the Grand Final!
Eurobodalla Football Association semi-final results
Major Semi
Junior League: MOR 2 B SR 1
U/13 Division A: NAR 2 MB 0
U/13 Division B: MS 3 COB 1
Youth Boys: CU 0 CE 1
Youth Girls: BAY 4 CU 1
All Age Ladies: CU 2 BRO 3
All Age Men: CU 7 BOD 1
Minor Semi
Junior League: CU 0 BAY 1
U/13 Division A: BMR 1 BSR 2
U/13 Division B: BAY 3 BOD 2
Youth Boys: BRO 4 MS 2
Youth Girls: NAR 7 MOR 3
All Age Ladies: MOR 0 NAR 5
All Age Men: BRO 1 MOR 0